Krakow - A City Worth Paying a Visit
Attractions of Krakow Krakow is one of the most important cities of Poland.
Situated in south of the country, it used to be the capital and the seat of the Royalty.
Krakow got its municipal rights in 13th century, however, people had settled there long before.
The architecture still reminds the big time of Krakow when the amber trail passed through it, and the merchants would visit the city and develop it at the same time.
The Main Market Square (situated in the Old Town - that was in 1978 put on UNESCO World Heritage List) kept its Medieval shape and is also the biggest square of this age.
In the middle of the square one can find Renaissance building of Cloth Hall where there are sold hand-made souvenirs such as folk costumes, toys or amber jewellery.
The building holds also the National Museum with interesting exhibition of Polish painters.
The most important part of the Main Market Square of Krakow seems to be St Mary's Church that raises over the city.
Its two towers - of not equal height - are connected with traditional legend, as well as hejnal (tune played each hour by the trumpeter) which used to warn the citizens about the upcoming danger.
It is, however, worth admiring the interior design of the church which, apart from marvellous wall paintings, contains precious altar piece of Veit Stoss.
The city hall did not withstand the time and there is only the city hall tower remaining - from which one can have a picturesque view over Krakow.
At the exit from the Old Town the Wawel Hill takes its proud place and dominates over the city's attractions.
On the hill there is the cathedral (with tombs of the Polish Royalty) and the castle which used to be the seat of kings of the country.
But Krakow is more than the Old Town.
For walking tours one can choose the former Jewish district - Kazimierz - where the architecture differs from the one in the main part of the city.
There are also a few synagogues, that the visitors might find interesting.
The most renowned among them is Remuh, frequently visited by Orthodox Jews whose famous Rabbi and one of code annotators - Moses Isserless - was buried there.
For fans of monumental, communistic architecture Krakow offers one of its districts - Nowa Huta - where one can see the remnants of the former regime.
Events Since Krakow is thought by the Poles to be the cultural centre of Poland, one can take part here in numerous exhibitions, concerts and cultural events.
Many of them are organised by the authorities of the city (like New Year's Eve celebrations or Wianki - throwing of the wreaths).
However, more and more private initiatives are taken to attract citizens and visitors to take part in the events and get to know not only Polish culture but also different ones.
The best examples are the Jewish Culture Festival (organised each year at the beginning of Summer) and Folk Music Festival - Rozstaje (during which one can get to know folk music of various regions of Europe).
Many of the events, that appear attractive especially to foreign visitors, are closely connected with Polish culture or Krakow customs.
The tourist visiting Krakow during Easter or Christmas, will be surprised to experience the variety of habits and customs that the citizens are used to.
Something that is for them just a routine or tradition, might seem oriental for those who have never experienced anything like this.
Ambiance of the city Krakow is very often praised for its unique ambiance.
It has not only precious attractions but also cultural events and rich nightlife that is cherished by those who live in the city as well as those who just visit it.
Most of the pubs in Krakow are placed in historic cellars that add to the character of the place.
There are couple of night clubs where one can dance, jazz music pubs and cozy, gloomy pubs with numerous candles that light the space.
Sort of music played in pubs and cafes depends very much on its character - you may find here classical, rock, folk or jazz to entertain you during a cup of coffee or while drinking Polish beer.
What is the most important, life in Krakow never ends - even late at night, when coming back from a party, one can see loads of people, taking a walk or returning home, and hear the Krakow hejnal played from St Mary's church tower.
The city has its own charm that one can feel only by coming here and experiencing it himself.
Situated in south of the country, it used to be the capital and the seat of the Royalty.
Krakow got its municipal rights in 13th century, however, people had settled there long before.
The architecture still reminds the big time of Krakow when the amber trail passed through it, and the merchants would visit the city and develop it at the same time.
The Main Market Square (situated in the Old Town - that was in 1978 put on UNESCO World Heritage List) kept its Medieval shape and is also the biggest square of this age.
In the middle of the square one can find Renaissance building of Cloth Hall where there are sold hand-made souvenirs such as folk costumes, toys or amber jewellery.
The building holds also the National Museum with interesting exhibition of Polish painters.
The most important part of the Main Market Square of Krakow seems to be St Mary's Church that raises over the city.
Its two towers - of not equal height - are connected with traditional legend, as well as hejnal (tune played each hour by the trumpeter) which used to warn the citizens about the upcoming danger.
It is, however, worth admiring the interior design of the church which, apart from marvellous wall paintings, contains precious altar piece of Veit Stoss.
The city hall did not withstand the time and there is only the city hall tower remaining - from which one can have a picturesque view over Krakow.
At the exit from the Old Town the Wawel Hill takes its proud place and dominates over the city's attractions.
On the hill there is the cathedral (with tombs of the Polish Royalty) and the castle which used to be the seat of kings of the country.
But Krakow is more than the Old Town.
For walking tours one can choose the former Jewish district - Kazimierz - where the architecture differs from the one in the main part of the city.
There are also a few synagogues, that the visitors might find interesting.
The most renowned among them is Remuh, frequently visited by Orthodox Jews whose famous Rabbi and one of code annotators - Moses Isserless - was buried there.
For fans of monumental, communistic architecture Krakow offers one of its districts - Nowa Huta - where one can see the remnants of the former regime.
Events Since Krakow is thought by the Poles to be the cultural centre of Poland, one can take part here in numerous exhibitions, concerts and cultural events.
Many of them are organised by the authorities of the city (like New Year's Eve celebrations or Wianki - throwing of the wreaths).
However, more and more private initiatives are taken to attract citizens and visitors to take part in the events and get to know not only Polish culture but also different ones.
The best examples are the Jewish Culture Festival (organised each year at the beginning of Summer) and Folk Music Festival - Rozstaje (during which one can get to know folk music of various regions of Europe).
Many of the events, that appear attractive especially to foreign visitors, are closely connected with Polish culture or Krakow customs.
The tourist visiting Krakow during Easter or Christmas, will be surprised to experience the variety of habits and customs that the citizens are used to.
Something that is for them just a routine or tradition, might seem oriental for those who have never experienced anything like this.
Ambiance of the city Krakow is very often praised for its unique ambiance.
It has not only precious attractions but also cultural events and rich nightlife that is cherished by those who live in the city as well as those who just visit it.
Most of the pubs in Krakow are placed in historic cellars that add to the character of the place.
There are couple of night clubs where one can dance, jazz music pubs and cozy, gloomy pubs with numerous candles that light the space.
Sort of music played in pubs and cafes depends very much on its character - you may find here classical, rock, folk or jazz to entertain you during a cup of coffee or while drinking Polish beer.
What is the most important, life in Krakow never ends - even late at night, when coming back from a party, one can see loads of people, taking a walk or returning home, and hear the Krakow hejnal played from St Mary's church tower.
The city has its own charm that one can feel only by coming here and experiencing it himself.